Transgender educators to spur adult literacy

The Literacy & Non-Formal Basic Education Department has approved the recruitment of matric-pass transgender individuals as teachers in its newly established adult education centres.

This initiative, launched under the slogan "Read, Write, Develop," aims to create educational opportunities across the province, with 180 centres opening—five in each district, including Rawalpindi.

The teachers, who will include women, men, and transgender individuals, will earn Rs12,500 per month, a salary significantly below the government's minimum wage.

The amount of salary has raised questions about the quality of education offered in the centres.

Recruitment for these teaching roles is open until November 30, with applications being collected by the District Literacy Department.

Candidates between the ages of 18 and 55 are eligible, while students enrolled in the programme must be at least 16 years old.

Each centre will enrol 25 to 30 students, providing basic literacy skills like reading, writing, and signing.

The academic session will last three months, and upon completion, students will receive certificates verifying their achievements.

In addition, the department plans to establish adult education centres in all 39 jails across Punjab.

Each prison will set up two centres where educated inmates will be tasked with teaching basic literacy skills to fellow inmates.

An official lauded the step saying, "the initiative represents a significant step toward inclusive education, especially in empowering the transgender community through employment opportunities while promoting literacy for marginalised adults across Punjab."